Wednesday 25 February 2015

MV Saturn Returns


The MV Saturn has been berthed at Roseneath for about five years now with an uncertain future.

She was launched in 1977 in Troon, and entered service in February 1978.

She was owned by Caledonian MacBrayne and operated mostly on the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay passage and gave many years of faithful service with her sister ships MV Juno and MV Jupiter.

Both have now been dismantled.

Pentland Ferries have now purchased MV Saturn and this will ensure she offers many more years service in and around the waters of Orkney.

She was towed from Roseneath to Greenock by the tugs Biter and Beaver Bay where she will receive some TLC and fresh paint before her journey north.

 Wheelhouse


 Wheelhouse


 Departing Roseneath


 Looking Good Below Decks


 Enroute to Greenock


 Greenock Straight Ahead


 Below Decks


 Happy Transfer Crew


 Enthusiastic Reception


Approaching Garvel Dry Dock

Entering Garvel Dry Dock

Dry Dock Awaits

 Looking Down


 Car Deck


Wheelhouse

Safely Docked

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Monday 23 February 2015

Walk Around Greenock Docks


Another wild day with strong winds and heavy prolonged showers.

Nevertheless I took a trip down to James Watt Dock at high tide to see what activity we may have.

Usual works going on, but nice to see the dock so busy with many vessels getting prepared for their next jobs.

Images were taken between the showers.

 Busy James Watt Dock

 'Sound of Scarba' and 'MV Finlaggan'


James Watt Dock

 Maintenance of the Rigging and Sails

'Stavros S Niarchos' in the Marina

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Friday 20 February 2015

River Clyde Today


The tall ship "Stavros S Niarchos' arrived at Custom House quay this afternoon and will be there till next week when she will go in to dry dock for a refit.

There are some other images of vessels on the Clyde and in the surrounding dock areas.


Approaching Greenock


Land Ahoy


Advance Landing Party


Custom House Quay in Sight


Starting to Berth


Concentration on the Bridge

Lines Ashore

Tying Up at the Quay

'SD Impetus' and 'SD Oilman' 

'SD Impetus' and 'SD Oilman' Passing Greenock

'Hebridean Princes's at James Watt Dock

'MV Finlaggan' in Dry Dock

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

RSPB Lochwinnoch


A run up to the RSPB Nature Reserve at Lochwinnoch this morning.

Spent about an hour in the hide and rewarded with a few images.

I'm not a 'spotter' so may well have some of the names wrong - apologies in advance for any errors.

A walk round before heading home didn't offer much but pleased to get the Scarlet Elf Cup Funghi.

 Blue Tit

  Chaffinch

 Duck out of Water

 Chaffinch

 Chaffinch

 Goldfinch

 Chaffinch

 Chaffinch

Goldfinch


Scarlet Elf Cup Funghi 


Woodland Snowdrops

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Saturday 7 February 2015

Day Trip to Glencoe


It's been a while since I visited the Glencoe area and this time of year is probably about the best time to go.

Arrived around 10:00 and the first sight was the mist in the valley as the snow covered peak of Ben Dorain rose above me from the road.

The small lay-by soon filled up as drivers stopped and grabbed a photo of the impressive view.

Then on to Inveroran via Bridge of Orchy and temperature of about -3.5 degrees.

A few shots at Inveroran and then a frozen Loch Tulla.

Next stop was the Black Rock Cottage before carrying on to the Kings House hotel where the deer are fairly tame and can be fed by hand.

Then on down Glen Etive with regular stops for photos before arriving at Loch Etive with the light starting to drop.

On the return journey up the Glen I managed a few images of young stags - albeit the light was now fading fast.

Another few stops to look back at the fiery setting sun and get a few final images.

Although the light was virtually gone it was impressive to view these stunning hills and mountains, and grateful that we have such raw beauty on our doorstep here in Scotland. We are truly blessed.

A slow drive home with traffic but a good day out and very content on arriving back at about 20:00.


Snowy Peak of Ben Dorain near Tyndrum


Campers at the River Orchy


River Orchy


Highland Cottage

Crunchy Snow


Loch Tulla

 Black Rock Cottage


 Young Deer


 Waterfall at Glen Etive

Loch Etive


Loch Etive


Wary Stag

 Young Stag


 Proud Stag


 Inquisitive Stag


 Setting Sun Illuminates Glen Etive

Burning Sunset Down Glen Etive

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.